MicroChitosan contains chitosan oligosaccharides as well as a small amount of chitosan. Both are derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans such as shrimp, lobster or crab.

Chitosan is an aminopolysaccharide that is chemically similar to cellulose. Chitosan oligosaccharides (CO) are manufactured from chitosan by an enzymatic process, resulting in a much smaller molecular size that is more easily absorbed by the body. Chitosan itself is more of a fiber and contributes to detoxification in the GI tract, whereas CO supports detoxification in blood and other tissues.

Possible benefits of MicroChitosan

• May help promote the growth of most species of friendly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli
• May help with lipid peroxidation, and promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes
• May help provide protection against toxins, including mercury, carbon tetrachloride, and dioxins
• May help provide support for normal blood sugar regulation
• May have immunostimulative effects

The research on chitosan oligosaccharides is extensive, and shows it has great potential to benefit health. Chitosan oligosaccharides can promote the growth of friendly bifidobacteria and lactobacillus. Unlike fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which promote the growth of only three probiotic strains, chitosan oligosaccharide supports almost all bifido- and lactobacillus species.

Chitosan oligosaccharide has been shown to protect the liver from damage by carbon tetrachloride in mice, and to protect against mercury toxicity. It can promote the activity of antioxidant enzymes and help prevent lipid peroxidation, helping to protect mice poisoned with dioxin. It has also shown potential to support microbial balancing and other immune functions, and may help support normal blood sugar levels.

Investigated and utilized for many years by Akira Matsunaga, M.D., Ph.D., chitosan itself is considered a superior health substance in Japan, because it has a broad effect on all of the body’s systems. Dr. Matsunaga found that it strengthened those who were weak, made healthy patients healthier, and improved common daily complaints and the quality of life. He found that chitosan did not target only one organ, but effectively supported the functioning of all of the body’s systems and organs.

Both chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharide are safe. Even at a chitosan oligosaccharide intake of 2000 mg/kg in rats, which extrapolates to more than 135,000 mg per day for an average-weight adult human, researchers could not find a potential adverse effect or toxicity.